Summer has officially arrived and one of the most common requests at our salon this time of the year is blonde hair. While going blonde or touching up blonde hair is fun and exciting, it's also serious.

When did it become the rule that boys should have short hair? There are lots of grown, masculine men who have long hair. Yet, while Maximo is far from having an Axl Rose 'do (he has a little bang in front of his eyes), he is immediately labeled a girl by many who see him.

Once you build your base with uncompromising color and a take-no-prisoners cut, a signature style is guaranteed to complete your look. What often comes more naturally to younger dolls can also be had easily by all women.

Or at least they're not afraid to. I'd tried to grow mine many times, but the detractors always got the best of me. I'm also a gay man, and by far the worst comments are from my peers. I've heard "you'd be hot if you cut your hair" too many times.

We try to teach our daughters to love their bodies, no matter the size. We want to empower girls to respect themselves. But how can we teach them to make strong, independent decisions about their own selves when society, peers (and yes, even parents) are sending mixed messages?

Often, people view their hair as an afterthought; something to be dealt with, or in extreme cases -- a "huge pain in the derrière." It really shouldn't be this way. Your hair is an incredibly important accessory.

As a professional woman (as opposed to an amateur woman, apparently), I can assure you, from the bottom of my follicles: Your career success will have absolutely zero to do with how long or short your hair is.